Weekly Raw Materials Update | DSM-Firmenich Opens Bakery Innovation Center in the U.S.; Novozymes Unveils New Offerings; Arla Expands Protein Market Presence in Southeast Asia; Lallemand and Kirin Holdings Enter Distribution Partnership

Reportedly, this ingredient appears as a white powder or white, lustrous needle-like crystal. The powder is non-hygroscopic, and its aqueous solution is colorless and transparent—offering a highly compatible solution for food processing. As a key monomer of glycosaminoglycans in the human body (e.g., hyaluronic acid, heparin, keratan sulfate), N-acetylglucosamine deeply participates in multiple physiological mechanisms: ① Joint Health: Supports repair of joint damage and improves joint mobility; ② Skin Care: Promotes hyaluronic acid synthesis for deep hydration and skin barrier restoration; ③ Gut Health: Modulates gut microbiota balance and strengthens intestinal barrier function; ④ Immune Regulation: Activates immune cell activity and enhances systemic resistance. In August 2024, RunDe Biotech’s application for N-acetylglucosamine was approved as a novel food ingredient in China, with permitted uses spanning five categories: dairy and dairy products, beverages, jellies, confectionery, and baked goods—marking a significant expansion of glucosamine applications in China from dietary supplements into mainstream food products. Currently, this ingredient has obtained Halal and Kosher certifications and complies with EU and U.S. food-grade standards. (Source: RunDe Biotech) 1. DSM-Firmenich Opens Bakery Innovation Center in the U.S. DSM-Firmenich has opened a bakery innovation center in New Jersey, USA, as part of its global R&D investment initiative. Equipped with advanced baking technologies and a multidisciplinary team, the center assists customers in accelerating the development of pastries, cookies, and other baked goods while mitigating cost volatility associated with raw materials such as cocoa, eggs, and vanilla. It offers diverse solutions including flavor modulators, masking agents (for proteins and grains), specialized dairy and non-dairy concentrates, and nutritionally enriched ingredients (e.g., protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins). (Sources: foodbev / foodbusinessnews) 2. Arla Foods Ingredients and Brenntag Expand Collaboration to Tap Southeast Asian Protein Market Arla Foods Ingredients and Brenntag—a leading ingredients distributor—have announced an expansion of their partnership into the Southeast Asian market. Under the new agreement, Brenntag will distribute Arla’s portfolio of protein ingredients across Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia, targeting health foods, infant nutrition, sports nutrition, and functional solutions for dairy and bakery applications. This expansion builds upon the distribution collaboration established in 2023 between Arla and Zhongbai Xingye Food Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.—a subsidiary of the Brenntag Group—in the Chinese market. (Sources: Arla Foods Ingredients / FoodIngredientsFirst / NutritionInsight / NutritionalOutlook) 3. Lallemand to Acquire AIT Ingredients and Solyve from Moulins Soufflet Lallemand has entered into an agreement with Moulins Soufflet, a subsidiary of Groupe InVivo, to acquire its subsidiaries AIT Ingredients and Solyve.

Global Ingredient Giants #7 — DSM-Firmenich: A Century-Old Innovator in Nutrition, Health, and Beauty

In 1902, motivated by national energy security concerns, the Dutch government granted coal mining rights in the Limburg region to Dutch State Mines (DSM)—the predecessor of today’s DSM—and this arrangement continued for over a century. Over more than a hundred years, DSM evolved from a coal mining enterprise into a chemical company, and later transformed into a high-tech and bioscience leader. Today, it focuses on nutrition, health, and sustainable living, with operations spanning human nutrition, animal nutrition, personal care & fragrance ingredients, medical devices, green products & applications, and emerging mobility & communications. Notably, in May 2022, DSM merged with Firmenich—the world’s largest flavor and fragrance company—to form DSM-Firmenich, now the world’s leading enterprise in health, nutrition, and biosciences. DSM-Firmenich specializes in health, food, and feed nutrition, and is globally recognized for its premium fine chemical products and personalized nutritional solutions. Firmenich was founded in November 1895 in Geneva, Switzerland, by visionary scientist and perfumer Philippe Chuit and astute businessman Martin Naef. It ranks among the world’s largest companies engaged in research, development, and production of fragrance and flavor ingredients. Its products and services primarily cover four domains: household & personal care fragrances, food flavors, fragrance raw materials, and fragrance & beauty. The merger between DSM and Firmenich represents a strategic combination of industry leaders. In the first half of 2024, DSM-Firmenich achieved total revenue of €6.298 billion (approx. RMB 48.799 billion), representing a 2% year-on-year increase; organic sales growth stood at 4%. Adjusted EBIT reached €976 million (approx. RMB 7.562 billion), up 5% year-on-year—driven primarily by growth in consumer perfumery and prestige fragrances, cosmetic ingredients, and beauty & personal care businesses. DSM-Firmenich comprises four business divisions: ① Perfumery & Beauty; ② Animal Nutrition & Health; ③ Health, Nutrition & Care; ④ Taste, Texture & Health. 1. Perfumery & Beauty Consumer-centric, delivering exceptional fragrances that deliver tangible benefits. We leverage a broad, high-quality library of natural, synthetic, and biotech-derived raw materials to create outstanding scents that delight both mind and body. 2. Taste, Texture & Health Helping customers develop delicious, nutritious, affordable, and sustainable food and beverage products. We deliver taste and nutrition for consumers, commercial success for customers, and improved health for people and planet. 3. Health, Nutrition & Care Supporting people’s health by adding essential nutrients to their diets. We drive medical innovation forward, accelerate recovery, and enhance quality of life. 4. Animal Nutrition & Health

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